SNAP
Statements

President of Loyola University Resigns Facing Sexual Abuse Allegations

October 7, 2003 - Statement by
SNAP national director David Clohessy of St. Louis
(314 566 9790)

"It's a very hard lesson for many to learn, but
the plain truth is that many molesters are very powerful, popular
and charismatic individuals.

It's comforting to believe that abusers are obvious social misfits,
but nothing could be further from the truth. Often, they have terrific
social and interpersonal skills, skills that they unfortunately
use to gain access to vulnerable youngsters.

This allegation about Rev. Bernard Knoth, Loyola University President,
is the third molestation allegation in the past month involving
hig-profile Jesuits, including four civil lawsuits against Fr. John
Powell (a prominent author), and two civil lawsuits against Fr.
Donald McGuire (a former counselor and teacher at Loyola Academy
in Chicago, the city's most prestigeous private Catholic high school).

We applaud the person who had the courage to come forward. We hope
that if there are others who have been victimized, they too find
the strength to report their experiences and begin to get the healing
they need and deserve."